Description
If you’re hunting for a dish that feels like a big, warm Filipino hug, Chicken Caldereta (Calderetang Manok) is where it’s at. Think tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, cozy potatoes, sweet carrots, colorful bell peppers, and that signature layer of cheesy, savory goodness. Serve this with plenty of hot rice and watch the whole table light up. Filipino comfort food, coming right up!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 potato, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 3 oz liver spread (or pâté/peanut butter)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 onion, minced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 oz cheese (cheddar or Filipino cheese), grated
- 1 lime (or 2 calamansi, or 1/4 lemon), juiced
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying)
- Fish sauce and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix chicken, soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and lime juice. Marinate at least 1 hour.
- In hot oil, fry potatoes 3–5 mins and carrots 2–3 mins. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 3 Tbsp oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add marinated chicken; sauté until browned.
- Pour in tomato sauce and water. Cover and simmer 40 mins.
- Stir in liver spread, then add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Season with fish sauce and pepper. Sprinkle cheese over and let melt.
- Serve hot with rice.
Notes
For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk at the end. Swap in beef or pork for other classic versions. Store leftovers airtight in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg